ECHOS

To find solutions to many world issues, from medical advancements to climate change, we need scientists to formulate hypotheses, do experiments, and reach conclusions. We also need citizens to have an understanding of the process of how science works. This includes children, because we need to make sure that we have great scientists and citizens for generations to come – and it’s never too early to start. The ECHOS® (Early Childhood Hands-On Science) program at the Museum is a research-based, hands-on, interactive early childhood science curriculum funded by the US Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, that also includes professional development workshops and coaching for early childhood educators. ECHOS® project staff will be presenting at two upcoming national conferences to share project findings and resources, including curriculum now available for sale.

April 3-6, 2014 in Boston, MAUpwards of 10,000 teachers nationwide are heading to Boston for the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to explore ideas and practices that enhance teaching and learning driven by the Next Generation Science Standards and championed by educators who are “Leading a Science Revolution.”

Presentation title: “PreK–K Hands-On Science—Get an Early Start on Building Scientific Habits of Mind!”
Saturday, April 5, 2:00–3:00 pm

April 28 – May 2, 2014 in Long Beach, CANHSA’s Annual Head Start Conference and Expo is the largest national event devoted to the Head Start and Early Head Start community. This year more than 3,000 executive directors, directors, administrators, managers, teachers, policy council members, and parents from from every state will gather in Long Beach, California.

Description (Classroom Management and Teaching Strategies): Learn how Head Start teachers are bringing ECHOS® (Early Childhood Hands-On Science) into their classrooms. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, in collaboration with the University of Miami, and Miami-Dade County Head Start, received USDOE funding to develop and test the efficacy of a comprehensive early childhood science curriculum and professional development program. Come find out what the research found and explore the ECHOS® curriculum and assessment tool.